Motorola's T9500R 25-mile 2-way Radios makes certain that you're never alone, no matter where you go. It gives you a range of up to 25 miles and up to 27 hours of talk time -- meaning you can wander far from camp for a long time, while staying in touch. These radios also have 11 NOAA weather channels, giving you up-to-date weather information and keeping you prepared. The Backlit display makes it easier to use even in the dark. Great for hiking and camping with friends. 11 NOAA weather channels with Alert feature VibraCall vibrating alert Backlit LCD display with LCD battery meter Battery Save & audible Low Battery Alert Talk time - 27 hours with AA alkaline; 9 hours on NiMH Keypad lock Priority scan

Feature-packed and amazingly versatile, Motorola's T9500XLR 2-way radios blur the line between professional and consumer models. With an astounding maximum range of 25 miles, weather alerts, digital privacy codes, hands-free transmission, and more, these little yellow wonders pack a lot under the hood. But how do they perform in the real world? To find out, we put the radios to the test in the urban jungle.

Design Compact and easy to hold, the T9500XLR's are also rugged and up to the task of any outdoor adventure. While they aren't completely waterproof, the ports and buttons have rubberized covers for keeping the elements out. The controls are relatively simple to figure out, and after a brief glance at the user's manual, you'll be up and running. The antenna on the radios is rather large--necessary for boosting range, but it might be stretch to tuck one into a small coat or pants pocket.

The all-important transmit button is easy to depress and hold. Pressing on the top portion of the button places the radio in "Power Boost" mode, which maximizes the transmission range. You'll save battery by using the lower power mode when talking to parties that you know are closeby. The radios are powered by included NiMH battery packs, which are rechargeable (a charger comes with the radios, too). You can also opt to use old fashioned AA batteries (three of them per radio) if you're on an extended expedition without AC power.

Features The T9500XLR supports up to 22 channels across the GMRS and FRS spectrum. GMRS channels offer high range and power for longer distance communication. There are also 121 interference elimination codes, also known as privacy codes. Codes 39-121 are digital, and they offer superior interference blocking when both radios are set to the same code. There's also an additional noise filter that filters out unwanted transmissions from other radios, something that's especially useful in places where there is a lot of radio traffic, such as a ski resort.

You can also take advantage of the T9500XLR's unique "iVox" feature, which allows you to transmit without pressing a button. The radio detects the sound of your voice and automatically sends the transmission. No other accessories or headsets are required. You can also use the traditional "Vox" mode which does require a headset. The "VibraCall Alert" vibrates the radio when you receive a transmission--great for use in noisy environments, or when you want to keep things discreet.

The radio can even scan its 22 channels for transmissions from other parties. Not only is this fun and often entertaining, it also also allows you to scan for members of your party who may have changed channels inadvertantly. Another handy feature is NOAA weather reception, which lets you listen to weather reports and bulletins right on your radio.

Real World Testing Motorola claims a 25-mile range for the T9500XLR, but they add that this is really only attainable under ideal conditions, such as transmitting from the top of a mountain down into a wide open valley. Moto says a range of 10 miles is more feasible in day-to-day use, while two miles is the maximum range in dense urban areas.

In downtown Seattle, that turned out to be pretty much true. Reception was good throughout the urban core, but when one tester ventured beyond that magical 2-mile radius reception started to fade. The radios did a good job filtering out unwanted transmissions, thanks to the privacy codes, and the number of available channels. Finding an unused channel in a busy city is a challenge, though. When in range, transmissions were clear and distortion-free.

All in all, the T9500XLR is a top-notch radio with features one would expect on a product twice or three times the price. It earns our praise as a top performer for those who need the most out of a two way radio.

"25-Mile" can be misleadingAlthough I am pretty tech savvy, this is definitely one of those products where you really need to read the manual (but don't worry, it's not that big) to understand all the menus and functions.

If you're not familiar with radios like me, the whole 22 channels can also be confusing. Whatever you do, you don't want to be on the default channel 0 because that's pretty much where anyone can interfere.

The 25-mile* can definitely be misleading. If you're in a urban area, the most you can get is actually 2 miles.

By holding the + (with the cloud image next to it) for 3 seconds, you can tune into the NOAA weather service.

One thing I wish it had is if both parties end up pressing the talk button at the same time, it should make some sort of special beep/notification to tell that they're both being cut off. With radios, unlike cellphones, you can't talk simultaneously. However, the good thing is that you don't have to say "Roger" after you finish talking because the other party will hear a beep after you let go of the talk button.

These radios aren't anything revolutionary, but for what it is and the price, it is decent. The battery charger is definitely a plus.

Great BuyThis is the second pair of radios I buy so that each member of my family has one. Products works very well, and is very useful for our family vacations both at the beach and at the mountains....more info

Sorely disappointed in low quality.After owning 2-way FRS/GMRS radios by Bellsouth, Cobra, and Motorola, Motorola radios were always the highest quality. They may not have been the best in every area, but they were always consistently high quality and they always worked. The last 3 models I've owned have all been Motorola.

I purchased the T9500XLR (their current top-of-the-line 26-mile radio) the other day to replace my T4900s. I was appalled at them. The sound quality from the speaker sucks compared to the older, cheaper T4900s. And worse yet, the sound transmitted cuts in and out continually - at any range and at any transmit power. Whether in the next room or half a mile away, the sound was the same low quality with voices cutting in and out. No settings affected this.

I ordered a pair of Midland GXT710VP3 radios instead. They're *way* better. They're what the T9500XLRs should be....more info

Great brand, (Motorola) but record of problems.This radio has adequate power and the audio to get out. I highly recommend radios will good power like these for the outdoors, rather than weak .5 watt FRS radios. I found them larger than many in this class, and a bit under powered at only 2 watts max, but OK.

However, it should be noted that this walkie talkie tends to show up in the "remanufactured" sale list quite often. I suspect this as something to do with the audio problems that others have commented on, or it could be something else. If lots get returned and resold, it usually means something is systemically wrong with the design or manufacturing process. In any case, buy with caution. ...more info

Good radioPros: Used with other motorolla and non motorolla radios and the sound quality was good. Battery holds charge for several days in normal use.
Cons: 25 mile range is bizarre because the most that I got was about a mile and a half. ...more info

Great product for priceIt is a great product especially for the price amazon offers it for. Stores sell the same two way radio for the same price but does not have the 25 mile capability. It was a great deal....more info

POOR Quality For MOTOROLA Get your act together!!I got these radios because I own two talkabout t5950's. I figured that I would upgrade to a newer better model. Was I wrong!!! They do transmit farther than my prevous model, but you can't understand what is being said. I am a loyal Motorola fan, but they had better step up the qaulity. I will be returning these radios and I will go back to the old stand-by for another year....more info

Good radioPros: Used with other motorolla and non motorolla radios and the sound quality was good. Battery holds charge for several days in normal use.
Cons: 25 mile range is bizarre because the most that I got was about a mile and a half. ...more info

Good radios for a great price.We got these radios as a replacement for some old Motorolas we'd had for 6 years which finally quit working.

We use 2 way radios quite a bit. We live on a big lot, with 2 big outbuildings, so shouting isn't really an option. We also ride dirt bikes, and use the radios (one at the front of the group, one in back)to keep the gang together, which is tough, since we're all a bunch of independent old cusses.

We initially purchased the Midland GXT710VP3 radios, these work adequately. I hate to admit it, but I don't like them because they're clunky and ugly. I'm normally not a slave to fashion, but these radios just look and feel like a brick. An ugly brick.

So, when the Motorolas were offered, I snagged them. With the price difference between the Motorola T9500XLR and the Midlands, I expected a lesser quality in the Motorola, but was pleasantly surprised.

I know all these radios claim that '25 mile' standard, but in our experience, line of sight use is about 3 miles, in the woods or in a populated area, it drops down to about a mile.

We have not tested the radios in densely populated situations (city, amusement park, etc.), but can attest to the fact that they work very well in rural situations (our home), and in the woods (motorcycle trails).

They suit our purpose, they're easy to use, the batteries last more than 10 hours, and they've even got the Weather radio built in.

Pretty good for the priceI haven't tested these for their full 25 mile range, but they seem to work well enough around the office complex and at the park. The 2 mile range for urban areas that other reviewers have stated seems to be about right. I might have actually gotten more than two miles, but I also live in Los Angeles where we don't have very many tall buildings.

Overall, they work well enough for casual use, but I wouldn't consider them for more critical applications....more info

Emergency preparednessI have not had much chance to use it as I purchased it for use as an emergency preparedness block captain in my city. We have practiced using it, but I will not really know until a disaster of some type happens. I am pleased to have it for that purpose....more info

Great set of radios!I take this set with me on multiple-car road trips, hiking and camping trips. The battery life is excellent, often lasting an entire weekend's worth of use with no problems at all. I've tested the range up to about 20 miles in clear terrain. The sound is clear, delay minimal, and I've experienced little interference from other RF devices. Excellent choice in areas where cell coverage is minimal or completely non-existent.
Being able to pick up NOAA broadcasts is a good safety feature especially when camping or hiking. The radio can be a bit bulky since we are all used to internal antennas from cell phones. Getting the channel and security code set properly to get both or more radios to talk with each other can be a bit of a hassle. Overall, highly recommended.

Range overstatedWow! 25 miles! You see this on the packaging and you think all is going to be great. Well, in suburban/urban environments, it's more like 2 miles or less. Now that's not bad, but better off bringing your cell phone when possible..

After about a mile, things garble up on both ends. I didn't experience interference on any channels, so perhaps the filtering channels were doing their job, but I didn't test these out in a resort area either. The menu system (UI) also takes a bit of getting used to. You've got to push a bunch of buttons to change channels and such. The button placement is good and the size of the radios are reasonable. Rechargeable batteries that are included are fine, though charging time is 10+ hours, a bit high even for modern day NiMH. Li-ion would probably raise the cost significantly. Also, no hands-free accessories are included like similar packages (adding about $20 the cost if you need to pair), though there is supposedly an iVox function (works like a baby monitor.)

Better off sticking with cheap FRS radios here if you just need short distances, and then there's no need for the GMRS licensing (though I'm assuming most people go without this, but technically you're supposed to pay $85 to the FCC.)...more info

Motorola POSWow, what junk. These worked fine for about two weeks, then worked intermittently and are now dead. Now comes the hassle of sending them back to Motorola and probably paying more to have them fixed than buying new ones. These never should have made it off the drawing board....more info

Radio TestProduct is extremely easy to use. Used while on vacation in the islands on a cruise. It is an ideal method for communiction when you are with large parties. Clarity isn't bad but not great. Worked better in open areas....more info

nice radio, short rangeThese are nice radios with lots of useful features. The rechargeable Nicad batteries are a good feature. They are the right size and for family style radios they appear well built. I was hoping for a range of about 10% of what was advertized (2.5 miles) but around our farm the best I could get was about 1.5 miles. I bought them to use on a boating trip. Maybe over open water I will be able to get the 2.5 miles that I was hoping for....more info

Necessary for noisy environmentDon't buy the Motorola handled radios without this or the ear phone based product if you plan to use the radio in a noisy environment (particularly if they are required to wear hearing protection). Even with the vibrate alarm, our employees were often missing talk requests. With the clip on speaker and microphone, the sound is placed closer to the ears and is heard much easier. The radio also need not be removed from the worn position to talk back......more info

as bad as it can getThis was a real bad decision. When people say it all in the name, they don't mean Motorola T9500R...more info

good product serviceThe original units would not work right, I called morotola and they said those? were the deffective ones? They sent me new ones that work just fine, I sent the old ones back so they could experiment on them, motorola provided post paid return envelope....a good final experience....it pays to go with a name brand that has service department and cares about their customers ...more info

Motorola T9500xlr radioDont like this item .Do well to get 2 mile range cant understand what other person says 1/2 mile away....more info

Newer isn't always betterI purchased these to replace my aging T7200's, but there is no comparison. The 7200's are far better. The 9500XLR have very poor sound quality (very tinny, like talking in a can), the volume doesn't go high enough, and the reception is poor. I spent a few days using these two models side-by-side and the weaknesses in these radios jump out immediately. I am happy to say that Amazon accepted my return. Don't make the same mistake I did. Look for a different model....more info

2 miles not 25 milesWhile the two-way radios worked they only allowed for a 2 mile distance instead of the 25 mile distance advertised, which in our case was one of the main reasons this set was purchased. ...more info

Lots of fun but not as long-reaching as I'd likeWe bought these for Christmas and they were hours of fun the entire week afterwards. the boys especially love to use them for air-soft wars because you can wear earphones with them and turn them on vibrate. The only complaint we have is that they do not seem to work long-range. We had them on vacation - took one for a drive in the car and left another at home. We lost contact in about 1/2 mile. I will say that we didn't play around with that feature too much so maybe there is something we could have done to get a longer signal - don't know. But they are great fun for "around the neighborhood!"...more info

Not ideal for crowded resorts. Nice otherwise.I own both the TriSquare and Motorola Talkabout radios Those of you who like to take your kids outdoors or skiing, may find this of interest.

This is a typical walkie talkie. It 22 channels in the 462 MHz range and has 2 watts of power using GMRS/FRS protocols. The "25-mile" range is the theoretical max (i.e. on the lunar surface).

The main problem with this technology is, well, other people. Imagine 1,000 people sharing 22 channels at Disney World. Motorola goes through great lengths to filter out other people. This is achieved by

(1) A special filter that blocks non-Motorola radios. A nice idea, but unfortunately 90% of walkie talkies are made by Motorola.

(2) A special privacy code which is assigned to each channel. Thus, all your Motorola radios have to be configured to the same privacy code in order to work with each other. Codes range from 1 to 121.

Nonetheless, even with filters and privacy encryption, if someone else is transmitting on your channel, there will be significant interference.

These use a completely different technology. They transmit on 900 MHz in a 100% digital protocol. They sort of work like cell phones, without the service provider. Each radio is assigned a unique 10-digit number. No matter how crowded the ski resort, you'll always have a private channel for your family. These radios use 1 watt of power. The manufacturer does not provide distance performace, but claim that the radios have a range equal to or better than the Motorola Talkabouts.

Comparison
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I took both brands with me and drove around town - a typical suburban setting with residential and commercial areas. I rated voice quality on a scale of 0 to 3 as follows:

I then plotted the average rating as a function of distance. The digital eXRS technology was superior to the GMRS/FRS model. The eXRS average rating was 25% better than the Motorola Talkabout. The max distance I could get in my area (having lots of trees and buildings) was .45 miles with either radio. The Motorola box claims "2 miles in an urban setting", which is just not true in my case.

The Motorol wins in overall voice quality. When the signal is strong, the voice quality of the Motorola was quite clear, whereas the eXRS unit always had a some background white noise.

Conclusion
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The TriSquare eXRS radios lack a bit in overall voice quality. However, having great voice quality in a Motorola radio is worthless if you can't get through on a crowded channel. The benefits of the eXRS radios out way the one or two shortcomings, in my opinion. I tried the TriSquare units at a ski resort. They work just as advertised. No interference from other people whatsoever.

The TriSquare comes with two vox headsets, which work fairly well. The Motorola talkabout did not come with headsets, which cost $20 a piece at Radio Shack.

Niether the Motorola Talkabout nor the TriSquare eXRS seem particularly rugged or weather resistant, so I'd rate them the same in that regard.

The NOAA weather reception on the TriSquare was pretty bad. I have two other NOAA radios, which work just fine in my area. The Talkabout had very good NOAA reception.
...more info

Worked fineDespite the problems some other reviewers have reported, I haven't seen them myself. The radios could be more durable, but for the money they seem like a good value. Some friends of mine recently took them beach camping and said they had no trouble with the signal, though the users were never more than a few miles away from each other. The kids liked the interchangeable covers....more info

Good BuyThis has been very useful not just for fun but @ remote locations of work related business. I would suggest easier menu layout. the ability to silence PTT confirmation. Better Clip design recommended. overall best buy considering what is out there....more info

Motorola's worst ever radio!The audio quality is really poor compared to other manufacturers. You can't understand other users even over quite short distances and this not helped when the signal keeps dropping in and out.

Whatever you do . . . DON'T be beguiled by the MOTOROLA name and DON'T expect any support from Motorola regarding this problem.

THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THESE POOR QUALITY PRODUCTS.

I complained to the UK and USA offices of Motorola and both fobbed me off.

I have some really cheap Uniden radios which have a superb sound compared to these . . . you can expect better quality from two tin cans and a length of string than Motorola's T9500XLR radios.